AK Travels Limited

Applications are open for the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea. This fully funded writers’ residency is officially known as the Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026.

The programme offers one selected writer the opportunity to stay at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, South Korea, for an 8-week creative writing residency. It is designed for writers who are connected to a UNESCO City of Literature or who have a close relationship with the Cities of Literature network.

The residency will run from 1 September to 31 October 2026 and provides support such as round-trip airfare, accommodation, workspace, meals, and local transportation on arrival and departure dates.

Summary

• Programme Name: Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026
• Also Known As: 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program
• Host City: Wonju City of Literature
• Host Country: South Korea
• Residency Location: Toji Cultural Centre
• Programme Type: Fully Funded Writers’ Residency
• Eligible Applicants: Writers connected to a UNESCO City of Literature
• Number of Awards: One selected writer
• Residency Duration: 8 weeks
• Residency Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Residency End Date: 31 October 2026
• Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
• Result Announcement: Before 21 July 2026
• Funding Coverage: Round-trip airfare, accommodation, workspace, meals, and local transportation on arrival and departure dates
• Application Mode: Email submission
• Official Website: https://culture360.asef.org/opportunities/wonju-city-of-literature-writers-residency-2026/

About the Wonju Literature Residency Program

The Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026 is a fully funded international residency programme for writers who want to spend focused time developing their creative work in South Korea.

Wonju is recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature and is known for its strong literary, artistic, and cultural environment. Through this residency, the city contributes to the international Cities of Literature network by promoting cultural exchange, friendship, and creative collaboration among writers from different literary cities.

The selected writer will stay at the Toji Cultural Centre, a respected creative space in South Korea that provides a peaceful environment for writers and artists to focus on their work.

Residency Benefits

The Wonju Literature Residency Program is fully funded for the selected writer.

The programme benefits include:

• Round-trip international airfare
• Local transportation on arrival and departure dates
• Accommodation at Toji Cultural Centre
• Private workspace for writing
• Organic meals at the Toji Cultural Centre cafeteria
• Opportunity to focus on a creative writing project
• Cultural exchange experience in South Korea
• Participation in local literary and cultural activities
• Opportunity to meet other writers and artists staying at the centre
• International exposure through the Cities of Literature network

Residency Location

The residency will take place at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, South Korea.

Toji Cultural Centre is a creative residency space that supports writers, artists, and cultural professionals. During the residency period, the selected writer may stay alongside other writers and artists, creating an environment for creative exchange and professional networking.

Residency Duration

The 2026 Wonju Literature Residency will last for 8 weeks.

The official residency period is:

• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• End Date: 31 October 2026

Applicants should ensure that they are available for the full residency period before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Must be a writer connected to a UNESCO City of Literature
• Must have a close relationship with a City of Literature or the Cities of Literature network
• Must have at least 5 years of creative writing experience
• Must have at least one published work
• The published work should be in English or Korean, or available as a published translation in English or Korean
• Must have upper-intermediate proficiency in English or Korean
• Must be willing to participate in local literary festivals, meetings, and interviews in Korea
• Must be willing to engage with the local literary community during the residency
• Must be able to stay in South Korea for the full 8-week residency period

Applicants should carefully read the official call for applications before submitting their documents.

Creative Work Requirement

The selected writer is expected to work on their creative writing project during the residency.

In addition, the writer will be required to produce a short creative work, such as an essay or poem, on the theme of Wonju or Korea by the sixth week of the residency.

This requirement helps connect the writer’s residency experience with the local culture, people, and environment of South Korea.

Who Should Apply?

This residency is suitable for:

• Published writers
• Poets
• Essayists
• Fiction writers
• Non-fiction writers
• Literary authors connected to a City of Literature
• Writers interested in Korean culture and literature
• Writers who want dedicated time and space for creative work
• Writers who are open to cultural exchange and literary networking

The programme is especially suitable for writers who already have professional writing experience and want to develop their work in an international literary environment.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare the required documents before submitting their application.

Required documents may include:

• Completed application form
• Proof of at least 5 years of creative writing experience
• Proof of at least one published work in English or Korean
• Link or copy of a published translation in English or Korean, if the original work is in another language
• Creative writing proposal or plan
• Personal details and contact information
• Evidence of connection to a UNESCO City of Literature
• Any other document requested in the official application call

Applicants should ensure that all documents are complete, clear, and submitted before the deadline.

How to Apply for the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program

Interested applicants should apply according to the official instructions provided in the call for applications.

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official ASEF culture360 opportunity page.
2. Read the Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026 details carefully.
3. Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements.
4. Download or access the official application form, if provided.
5. Prepare proof of creative writing experience.
6. Prepare proof of publication.
7. Prepare your creative writing plan or proposal.
8. Complete the application form carefully.
9. Submit your application by email according to the official instructions.
10. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.

Application Deadline

The application deadline for the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program is:

31 May 2026

Applicants are advised to submit their application early and avoid waiting until the final day.

Selection and Result Announcement

The selected writer will be chosen by an independent panel designated by Toji Cultural Centre.

The successful applicant is expected to be notified before:

21 July 2026

Only one writer will be selected for the 2026 residency, so applicants should ensure that their application is strong, complete, and clearly presented.

Important Notes for Applicants

• The residency is fully funded.
• Only one writer will be selected.
• The residency will take place at Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, South Korea.
• The programme runs from 1 September to 31 October 2026.
• Applicants must be connected to a UNESCO City of Literature.
• Applicants must have at least 5 years of creative writing experience.
• Applicants must have at least one published work.
• Applicants should have upper-intermediate English or Korean proficiency.
• The selected writer must be willing to participate in literary events, meetings, and interviews.
• The selected writer must produce a short creative work on Wonju or Korea by the sixth week of the residency.
• Applicants should follow the official application instructions carefully.

Official Application Link

Applicants should visit the official ASEF culture360 opportunity page for complete details and updated application instructions:

Final Note from AK Travels LTD

The 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea is a valuable fully funded opportunity for experienced writers who want to focus on their creative work while experiencing Korean literature, culture, and artistic life.

At AK Travels LTD, we advise interested applicants to prepare early, especially because the programme selects only one writer. Applicants should ensure that their writing experience, published work, City of Literature connection, and creative proposal are clearly presented.

Since this is a competitive international residency, applicants should carefully follow the official instructions and submit a complete application before the deadline.